Press release: 2000-10-17: Sega Delivers a Fiesta of Fun to Dreamcast Players With Samba de Amigo

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

Sega Delivers a Fiesta of Fun to Dreamcast Players With Samba de Amigo; Ultimate Party Game Features Maracas, Wacky Characters and Funky Music Giving Gamers a Whole New Way to Play

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 17, 2000

Disco, schmisco! Get ready to shake, shake, shake your maracas! Sega(R) of America Dreamcast, Inc. today announced the release of "Samba de Amigo(TM)," the popular dance arcade hit now for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM) videogame console. The ultimate party game, "Samba de Amigo" gives gamers the ability to show off more than their gameplay skills by using maraca peripherals to shake to the worlds' favorite dance and Latin music. Developed by the renowned Sonic Team, responsible for such titles as "Sonic Adventure(TM)," "Samba de Amigo" will provide hours of fun for everyone.

The screen comes alive in "Samba de Amigo" with a cast of colorful characters and great music. The object of the game is to keep your eye on the flashing donut-shaped indicators and set your groove in motion using your Dreamcast controller or new maraca peripherals. Players advance by hitting not only the targets, but also timing those hits to the beat. Using the maracas, players first select the right height, measured by sensors on a floor mat, and then choose their favorite song. Players must synchronize maraca shaking with flashing indicators that are constantly streaming on the monitor. Rhythmic streams of maraca shaking are broken up by mini pose challenges which call on players to mimic the silhouette poses that flash on the screen. Gameplay options include single and two-player modes and difficulty stages that test rhythm and speed.

"`Samba de Amigo' is a proven hit from the arcades -- it was natural that we would enhance it and bring it home with a maraca peripheral and new online elements," said Stacey Kerr, product manager, Sega of America. "We expect `Samba' to be a big hit with both novice and hard core gamers alike. It's easy to play, but difficult to master."

"Samba de Amigo" features an array of popular dance and Latin music including "La Bamba," "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Macarena," "Take on Me" and "Tubthumping." Players can also download their favorite arcade game tunes through their VMU. Downloadable music includes "Magical Sound Shower" from "Out Run(TM)," "Opa! Opa!" from "Fantasy Zone(TM)," "Dreams Dreams" from "Nights(TM)," and "Super Sonic Racing." With so many musical choices, "Samba de Amigo" will provide hours of fun and replay value.

"Samba de Amigo" is almost as much fun to watch, as it is to play. The game includes brightly colored explosive backgrounds, psychedelic imagery and wacky characters developed by the Sonic Team. Characters, who include Amigo, the sombreroed, maraca shaking monkey, colorful teddy bears, animal print clad dancers and a butterfly costumed dancer, all parade in the background while the gameplay progresses providing a challenging distraction for maraca shaking players and onlookers.

"Samba de Amigo" is rated "E" for Everyone and is available for $39.99. Maracas, sold separately, are available for $79.99. The game and maracas can be purchased at retailers nationwide and at www.sega.com.

About Sega Dreamcast

The 128-bit Internet ready Sega Dreamcast is available in the U.S. with a built-in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality via SegaNet, the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP service for Dreamcast and PC users. Dreamcast currently has over 100 titles available. The total Dreamcast game library count will be more than 200 by December 2000.

About Sega

Sega of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.
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